Hemp Legalization Included in Federal Farming Bill

The legalization of hemp has officially been included in the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill, which is expected to be voted on soon by the Senate.

“Securing the Hemp Farming Act as part of the 2018 Farm Bill has been a top priority of mine,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in a recent press release. The Hemp Farming Act would explicitly legalize hemp across the U.S. by removing it as a controlled substance.

“As a result of the hemp pilot program, which I secured in the 2014 Farm Bill, Kentucky’s farmers, processors, and manufacturers have begun to show the potential for this versatile crop”, says McConnell. “Today’s announcement will build upon that progress to help the Commonwealth enhance its standing at the forefront of hemp’s return to American agriculture. I look forward to continuing to work with my Senate colleagues and my partners in Kentucky – including Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles — to grow hemp’s bright future.”

The inclusion of hemp legalization in the 2018 Farm Bill comes just days after the Senate unanimously passed a resolution recognizing the “growing economic potential of industrial hemp”, as well as acknowledging its “historical relevance”.

Anthony Martinelli

Anthony is co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of TheJointBlog. He has worked closely with numerous elected officials who support cannabis law reform, including as the former Campaign Manager for King County (WA) Councilmember Dave Upthegrove. He has been published by multiple media outlets, and is a former contributor for Village Voice Media.